Featuring Robert Allen Zimmerman

Inaugural B.A.M.F. Award

The first ever B.A.M.F. Award ("Chuck Norris" Award) goes to David Swensen, the manager of Yale's endowment. The business section of the Times ran a profile of him today -- quite frankly, I'm not sure about that editorial decision as I can't sniff any legit news peg, but that's fine with me as it's more grist for my mill -- and you can read it here: LINK.

Swensen is such an inspiration: he not only excels at his job, but he also feels that his work serves a noble purpose. I've read his second book, "Unconventional Success," which is geared toward the investing public; although it reads like a dry academic paper at times, there's enough populist fire in there to make Al Gore (ca. 2000) blush.

Put Your Records On

Music to lift your soul: LINK.

Have You Read a Good Martin Amis Book Lately?

See Keith Gessen, arguably the most astute critic of his generation, take stock of what Amis has been up to for the past several years: LINK.

Haiku on Late Nite

I'm sorry, but I still can't kick the Larry Sanders habit. (For those of you who don't know, all the episodes are on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.) The opening of a late-night talk show always features a monologue, rammed to the hilt with jokes. They often seem cheap and easy, but I'll be damned: short jokes are hard to write! (You try writing a few night after night sometime.) They're a little like short bursts of haiku, pared down with a sharp knife so that the words build their own momentum toward the punchline. You can sample the best jokes from all the talk show hosts every night here: LINK.

Hint: "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor"

Is there anything sadder than a prominent politican trying to be hip by name-checking a band? See Chancellor of the Exchequer (and future Prime Minister) Gordon Brown sing the praises of the Arctic Monkeys, and then fail to name any of their songs.
LINK, and LINK.